Starstruck (29 page)

She and Caitlin decided on an outdoor table at the
restaurant overlooking the lake, enjoyed a comfortable silence as they ate.
Soft music wafted onto the deck and the waiter was quick to refresh their
drinks.

Halfway through the delectable barramundi, Caitlin was the
first to break the ice. “So what are you thinking about?”

Sam set her fork on her plate and sipped some wine before
finally looking her cousin in the eye. She had never met anyone with Caitlin’s
eye color. They were crystalline blue with just a hint of gray around the edge
and a thin ring of green, considerably darker when she was angry—or horny,
apparently, though Sam couldn’t confirm the latter. They displayed her
emotions, just like Jesse’s. His blue eyes darkened or brightened depending on
his mood too.

“I was wondering when the questions would begin.” Sam
smirked over the rim of her glass.

“Come on, Sammie. You’ve left me hangin’ all afternoon. Give
me something! What has that tiny brain of yours made of this new development?”

“I honestly don’t know what to think, Caitie. I’ll admit, I
think I
am
in love with him, but that doesn’t change anything.”

Caitlin didn’t argue, but the smarmy smile on her face did
the same job.

Sam sighed. “You don’t understand so don’t look at me like
that. Even if this whole thing with Becky never happened, I still don’t know
that I could make it work. His entire life is so different than mine. Where
would I fit in? When they go on tour, they’re gone forever at a time. Am I just
supposed to hang around and wait? I can’t live like that, wondering the whole
while what he’s up to and with whom. I don’t know if I can be that trusting
anymore.”

“Yeah thanks for that, Tom.
Jerk
!”

“It’s so not fair, Caitie. We have this so-called
gift
,
but it’s useless. I can read almost anyone, but not myself. We try to help people
when we can, but who helps us?”

“That’s what I’m for, silly. And that’s why you’re there for
me. I’ve been trying to tell you, but you’re such a stubborn bitch you won’t
listen. I’ve
always
thought he’s been truthful. From the moment I spoke
with him on the phone, I knew he was the one for you. You worry too much. You
should stop doin’ that, you know. You might actually enjoy yourself.”

“Hmmm… Have I told you how much I appreciate you coming up
here with me?”

“No. You don’t have to, stupid. I already know.”

They finished their main course and ordered dessert.

“Heard anything more about Charli?” Sam asked.

“I got a call from Tom last Saturday. She still hasn’t
contacted anyone since her disappearing act. Sounds like she’s about to lose
her job from what he said. I know she’s taken off before, but not without
clearing it with work first. He’s really worried about her.”

“Yeah, I just bet he is.”

“Look, I’m the last person to want to feel sorry for either
of them, but I think he’s right. It’s not like her to disappear for this long.”
Caitlin salivated over her dessert as it was placed in front of them.

“Charli doesn’t care if she loses her job or not. She’s got
her trust fund to fall back on. She’s
never
had to worry about money.
You’ve seen where she lives. You telling me she could afford that place in the
hills on a legal secretary’s salary?”

“I know she’s been a skank and all, but I also know you. You
care, even if you won’t admit it. Do you get
any
feelings about her?”

Caitlin seemed genuinely concerned. This surprised Sam. She
scooped some of the meringue and cream from her plate, savoring the sweetness
on her tongue as she considered the question.

“I think my anger is distorting my view. I’m too close to it
all. I just keep seeing her in my bedroom…that night. I can’t see past it.
You?”

“I think she really regrets hurting you that way.” For the
first time, Caitlin spoke of Charli without venom lacing her voice. “If you
could see it from my side of the fence, maybe you’d even believe she did you a
favor. You weren’t meant for Tom, honey, and I’m pretty sure you know that now
too.”

“I hate you, you know that?” Sam shook her head with a small
smile.

“Yeah, yeah, I hate you too, Cuz.”

“You don’t think she’d do anything…stupid, do you?”

“What do you mean? Like hurt herself?”

“Yeah, maybe… I’m not sure.” She shook her head again, this
time to try to clear it. “Anyway, you ready to get going?”

“Yep, all done…with dinner anyway. This convo will continue
very shortly.”

Chapter Twenty

Unease danced its icy fingers along Sam’s heart. She sat in
the dining suite of the luxury houseboat while Caitlin mixed a large jug of
Jack Daniel’s and Coke.

Sam accepted the offered glass and stared out the window as
she slowly sipped. “Do you remember me telling you about Charli’s sixteenth
birthday party years ago? You know, when that guy from school laced my drink?”

“Yeah, sure.” Caitlin popped a mixed CD into the stereo.

“Do you remember the talk I had with Nan the morning after?”

“Um, something to do with Charli, wasn’t it?” She settled
into the chair across the table.

The morning Sam had woken in her grandparents’ house when
she was fifteen was a day she’d never forget. Nan made their favorite breakfast
after Pop left early for work and Sam had been particularly quiet at the table.

“Are you okay, Sammie? Not coming down with something,
are you?” Nan pressed her palm to Sam’s forehead.

“No, Nan. Just a little tired, I guess.”

Her grandmother wrinkled her nose, and then frowned. “You
know you can talk to me about anything, even things that might seem a
little…strange.”

Sam had been plagued with nightmares after she’d finally
fallen asleep. She didn’t want to think of them, let alone speak of them. “No,
I’m fine.”

“Sammie, do you remember when you were a little girl and
sometimes you’d climb into our bed late at night?”

“Yeah. I always slept better in your bed, Nan.”

“Remember the dreams you used to have? The ones that
would make you bed-hop to our room?”

She stopped mid-chew, hoping her face didn’t betray her
anxiety. She’d never spoken of the bad dreams. They were always the most vivid,
always the most intense…and the scariest. “No, not really.”

“Oh I think you do, dear. It’s okay, Samantha, you have
nothing to be afraid of. Nothing you might see, feel or dream—as it seems to be
the case with you—can hurt you. Don’t be afraid to let the visions come. You’ve
been blessed with a gift and you’re shown them for a reason. Sometimes the
messages can be somewhat cryptic and it’s up to you to work them out. Other
times they are exactly what they appear to be. With practice, you’ll learn to
tell the difference.”

Sam had always sensed she was different from most other
kids, and once she hit high school it was clearly evident. Caitlin was the only
other child Sam could completely relax around and feel comfortable in her own
skin. She didn’t have to dull anything down with Caitie. She didn’t need to
wear a mask, pretend she was normal and hide her thoughts.

She finally met her grandmother’s keen stare, recalling
their conversation from the night before. How Nan had known what had happened
before the words even left Sam’s mouth. “Nan, how did you know what happened
last night at the party?”

“Well, dear, how did you know that stupid boy put
something in your drink? I remember having a very similar conversation with
your mother when she was eighteen. That’s how old she was when her gift came
on. A boy tried to trick her as well. Isn’t it funny how history tends to
repeat itself? Anyway, both you and Caitlin are very lucky. You’ve received
your gifts much younger than most. I think perhaps you may be our strongest
girls yet.”

“It scares me, Nan. How do you control it? How do you
make it stop?”

“I can teach you how to make it stop if that’s what you
really want. But not until you’re at least old enough to vote, okay? Give it
some time, honey. Who knows? You might just change your mind. For now, you need
to respect and protect what you’ve been given. Even when you and Caitie were
little I knew you were spirit twins. I could see you’d be special.”

Nan patted her hand. “Now, Samantha, are you going to
tell me what’s really bothering you?”

Sam stared, puzzled. Special? She didn’t think she was
special. Weird maybe, but special?

It was funny how Nan had mentioned Sam creeping into her
bed, because that’s exactly what she’d wanted to do when she’d woken in a cold
sweat, swallowing a scream in the early hours of the morning. She’d dreamed of
Charli and it wasn’t a nice dream at all.

Her best friend was in an old-style bathtub with brass
feet. At first, Sam thought Charli’s eyes were just closed, she was sleeping.
But when Sam got closer, the water was tainted blood red. Reaching into the
cold bath, she lifted Charli’s frozen hand and discovered where the ruby
coloring had come from.

Charli had slit both her wrists. There was no pulse. No
life. It was too late to save her. But the scariest part was when Charli opened
her dead eyes and whispered, “I’m sorry, Sam,” her breath rotten and sickening
sweet.

Caitlin poured them each another drink from the cold jug,
bringing Sam back to the present. “God, I’d forgotten about that.”

“I never told Charli about that night. I just hoped it was
like Nan said, not everything being as it appeared, you know? Cryptic and all
that shit.”

“Do you remember anything else? The room? Did anything look
familiar?” Caitlin asked.

“No, I just remember the tub, mostly. But it was a long time
ago and I haven’t really thought much of it since.”

“Change of subject, what would you do if Jesse turned up
right now? Would you take him back?”

Sam laughed. “I don’t know. It would depend if he was on his
knees begging or not.”

Caitlin returned to the stereo and changed the CD, shooting
Sam a wild grin. Jerico’s last album blared from the speakers.

“Ha, ha, very funny.”

“I actually like this album, smartarse.” Caitlin danced
across the room back to her seat.

Jesse’s voice soothed Sam’s aching heart and maybe a little
of her soul as well. She melted into her seat and closed her eyes for a moment.
She longed for him to sing directly into her ear again. The pain of their
separation hadn’t lessened, it had only grown stronger.

She sighed and opened her eyes to a smirking pest. “Hmmm…
Maybe I should check my messages. Pour me another drink?” Sam headed for the
bedroom and her handbag.

After tracking down her phone, she returned to the dining
table and switched it on. She sorted through the text messages first, deleting
each one after having read them, but one in particular made her jump out of her
seat.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s from Charli. It says, ‘I’m sorry Sam’.” Tears already
welling, she showed Caitlin the screen so she could read the message herself.

“You don’t know it means
that
. When did she send it?”

Sam scrolled to the date stamp. The message was sent only
that morning. Forgetting her anger, she hit the call button. She wanted to
speak to Charli, just to make sure she was okay. If she wasn’t taking anyone
else’s calls, she might at least take Sam’s. Charli had sent
her
a
message after all.

After the eighth ring the call cut to voicemail.

“Charli…it’s Sam. Ah, I just wanted to make sure you’re all
right. You have a lot of people worried about you so maybe you should at least
call your mum. Let someone know where you are.” She hesitated. Should she just
hang up? “Listen, Charli… Tom and I, we’re through. And if I’m honest, I think
maybe you even did me a service. I don’t know if we can ever get past this and
be friends again, but I believe you when you say you’re sorry. I can only do my
best to forgive you. Goodbye, Charli. Have a good life. I really mean that.”

She ended the call and stared down at the table. Their
friendship was definitely over and sadness that had once been engulfed by all
her anger crashed over her like a tsunami. She swallowed past the lump in her
throat.

“Wow! I believe our Sammie is finally gettin’ it. That was
very big of you, Cuz. I’m proud.”

She inhaled deeply. “Yeah, well, let’s just hope she’s okay.
As much as I hate her right now, I don’t wish her dead.” She wiped the single
tear that rolled down her cheek.

The following text was from Daniel, wishing her a good time
and asking her to call should she need anything.

It was time for the part she dreaded. Hands shaking, she
placed the phone on the table and hit speakerphone.

You have…seven new messages.

Message received Sunday, seventeen January, 5:00 p.m.

“Sam, please call me. I
really
haven’t done anything
wrong. If you’ll just let me explain, you’ll see I’m telling the truth. Please,
Sam, call me back so we can talk. Please?”

Message received Monday, eighteen January, 1:07 a.m.

“Sam, it’s Jesse again. I just need to know you’re okay.
Please call me.”

Message received Monday, eighteen January, 11:00 a.m.

“I can keep calling forever, you know. But it might be
easier if you just rang me back already, don’t ya think? Come on, Sam. You
can’t keep ignoring me. Please…I miss you.”

Message received Monday, eighteen January, 9:03 p.m.

“Sam…why are you letting Becky win? This is
exactly
what she wants. Just talk to me, baby,
please
? I really miss you. I
don’t like sleepin’ without you. I
can’t
sleep without you. Please call
me.”

Message received Tuesday, nineteen January, 11:12 a.m.

“Hey, me again. Vince got your artwork today and he loves
it. I haven’t seen the finished product yet, but I’m sure everything is
perfect. Have I told you how much I miss you yet? Call me, darlin’. I need to
hear your voice…please?”

Message received Tuesday, nineteen January, 5:02 p.m.

“You do realize my music career is in dire jeopardy if you
don’t call me back? I can’t concentrate on anything, Sam. Please, c’mon,
bella
,
pick up your phone.”

Message received Wednesday, twenty January, 4:32 p.m.”

“Sam, are you there? I didn’t want to just turn up on your
doorstep.
Fuck!
Call my cell when you get this message…
please
.”

Caitlin grabbed Sam’s hand. “What did he mean ‘
on
your doorstep’? Is he
here
?”

Sam deleted the messages and put the phone aside. “He
wouldn’t come all this way just to see me.”

“Sam! I think he’s in the country. Shit, woman, he’s chased
you halfway around the world.”

“That’s not possible. He’s way too busy. Australia is last
on the list for the promo tour and that’s months away. He couldn’t
possibly
be here. It’s probably just a trick to make me call him.”

A dull pain shot up her shin underneath the table. She
glared daggers at Caitlin. “Don’t kick me.”

“Call him. Go on. It can’t hurt, can it? You can always hang
up.”

“Hmmm…maybe. After one more drink.”

She thought about the magazine article and the countless,
relentless messages from Jesse. She was a little embarrassed of her behavior
now. What if he
was
being honest? Was she letting him slip through her
fingers? Was he the love of her life?
Was
he? Could she trust her own
instincts without the advantage of her gift?

“Then, my girl, another drink you shall have.” Caitlin mixed
a fresh jug and added heaps of Coke and ice. She wasn’t a fan of alcohol
straight up.

“And if I did ring him, what would I say?”

“Don’t think, just ring.” She refilled their glasses.

* * * * *

Jesse and Rick left the dock, switching on the front
spotlight as they slowly cruised upstream.

“What if we can’t find her?”

“We’ll find her. This lake isn’t that big. If she’s on it,
we have to pass her sooner or later.” Jesse folded the map Ted had provided.
“I’m goin’ below for a quick shower. I feel like shit.”

“You look like shit too, bro.”

Jesse raced through the quickest shower of his life and
rushed back to the helm.

Rick slowed the boat. “It’s getting late. Maybe we should
try again in daylight. She could be tucked away anywhere.”

Jesse’s cell vibrated in his pocket. He dug it out and
peered at the display before pressing it to his ear, suddenly breathless. “Sam!
Where are you? Are you okay?”

“Hello, Jesse.”

“Ohhh baby, I can’t tell ya how glad I am you finally
called. I’ve missed your voice so much.” He strode to the back of the boat for
some privacy.

“Jess…I’m sorry for taking off like I did. I should have at
least let you speak, but I was just so angry.”

“And now?”

“Well honestly, I feel kinda stupid. I read about your
appearance on Quincy Ray. Is it really true? Absolutely
nothing
happened
with Becky?”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, silly girl.
Nothing
happened. Every word you read this time is true, baby, I swear. I could never
do anything to hurt you…ever. I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with this
bullshit, but my life’s not always this public, I promise. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just confused, I guess.”

“I heard from the detective a few days ago, but there’s
still no firm lead on the break-in or the party. I hate to say it, but I think
it might have been Becky. I’m starting to believe she’s capable of anything. Oh
Sam, I can’t say it enough. I’m so sorry you were dragged into all this, but it
doesn’t change how I feel about you. Nothing will.”

“How
do
you feel, Jess?”

“Like I’m going to burst if I don’t see you real soon,” he
whispered.

Rick approached and Jesse held his hand over the mouthpiece.
“I think I found her. Just up ahead. Looks like a pretty big boat and its name
starts with an A, but I need to get closer to be sure.”

Rick ran back inside the cabin and the engine went silent a
moment later. Under the moonlight, the boat slowly drifted until the name on
the back of the craft became clear.